US vice president Joe Biden honoured with peace award by American Ireland Fund

Kieran McLoughlin, CEO of The American Ireland Fund and Vice President Joe Biden at The American Ireland Fund National Gala in Washington DC. The Gala honored Vice President Joe Biden with Taoiseach Enda Kenny giving the keynote address. The Gala raised $1 million dollars for The Worldwide Ireland Funds' Promising Ireland Campaign to assist Irish charities. Photo: Caitlyn Myler

An Taoiseach Enda Kenny gave a keynote address at an event in Washington last night, on his visit to the US to celebrate St Patrick's Day.

He was speaking at a gala dinner in Washington DC where Vice President Joe Biden was honoured with a Peace Award by the American Ireland Fund.

Last night Mr Biden repeated his desire to make an official visit to Ireland.

He said he hoped agreement could be reached in Northern Ireland on the proposals on flags, parades and the past negotiated by US diplomat Richard Haass.

He said the peace agreement must be written into the hearts of the people of Northern Ireland - not just something written down on paper.

The American Ireland Fund Peace Award is a rarely-presented award and past recipients include President Clinton.

"We are delighted to recognize the enormous contributions Vice President Biden has made to the welfare of Ireland," said Kieran McLoughlin, President & CEO of The Worldwide Ireland Funds.

"Vice President Biden has been committed to the cause of strong U.S.-Irish relations throughout his public service. As Senator, Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and then as Vice President, Joe Biden has been an invaluable voice for peace and reconciliation in Northern Ireland."

John Fitzpatrick, Chairman of The American Ireland Fund also joined Irish and Irish American leaders, leaders in business, the media and the arts at the event celebrating Irish culture and heritage and generating funds for The Worldwide Ireland Funds' Promising Ireland Campaign which has assisted over 650 Irish charities to-date.